Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Mia paused, asking, “Why is he drunk? And may I know who I’m speaking to?”
“I’m Heath, Mr. Barrett’s assistant. There’s been an urgent contract negotiation these past few days that Mr. Barrett needed to attend.
“However, to expedite matters and make arrangements for his hospitalization for the bone marrow donation, he had to reschedule the meeting with our partners.
“Normally, Mr. Barrett refrains from alcohol, but given the circumstances, he ended up drinking excessively.”
Upon hearing this, Mia pursed her lips and responded, “I see. Please ensure Mr. Barrett gets back to rest as soon as possible.”
There was a hint of hesitation in Heath’s voice on the other end of the line. “Ms. Monalize, Mr. Barrett has been drunkenly calling out your name. Could you come over for a moment?”
“Alright, just give me the address. I’ll be there shortly.”
After ending the call, Mia gently patted Ginger’s head. “I need to step out for a bit. Be good, wash up, and get ready for bed. I’ll be back soon to tuck you in.”
“Is it the bad guy looking for you?”
“He’s had too much to drink, I need to go check on him.”
Mia didn’t feel the need to explain all the details to Ginger. After all, Timothy was rushing to complete his work early so he could make it to the bone marrow donation.
Considering the circumstances, Mia felt obliged to check on him. She certainly couldn’t risk Timothy backing out at such a crucial moment.
Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to pay him a visit.
Exiting the hospital, Mia headed directly to the restaurant.
As the car pulled up outside, Mia entered in her high heels. Upon arriving at the second¨Cfloor private lounge, she found Timothy seated alone at a large round table.
Timothy lounged lazily, his suit jacket casually tossed aside, with several buttons of his shirt remaining undone, revealing his delicate collarbones.
Approaching the intoxicated Timothy, Mia spoke softly, “Mr. Barrett, are you ready to leave now?”
At the sound of Mia’s voice, Timothy slowly lifted his head, his eyes reflecting a mixture of complex emotions. He replied in a deep voice, “You’re here?”
“Yes, I’m here. Let’s go.”
Mia swiftly assisted Timothy to his feet. Her priority was to get the drunken Timothy into the car so she could swiftly return to the hospital and be with
Ginger.
She had initially anticipated some resistance, but to her surprise, Timothy cooperated obediently, following her lead without hesitation.
After settling Timothy into the car, Mia turned to Heath in the passenger seat. Remember to have someone prepare some chicken soup for him once he sobers up.”
However, as Mia prepared to leave, Timothy suddenly pulled her into his arms, and she immediately noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath.
“Mr. Barrett, what are you doing?”
Resting his chin on her head, Timothy’s voice resonated deep and low. “I just want to hold you for a while,” he murmured.
Mia couldn’t help but frown at his words, but considering Timothy’s impending bone marrow donation, she refrained from pushing him away.
As the car moved, Mia sat beside Timothy in silence.
During the journey, neither of them spoke a word to each other.
Mia found herself leaning against Timothy’s intoxicated body, her ear attuned to the steady and forceful rhythm of his heartbeat pulsating against his chest.
For some inexplicable reason, Mia felt a growing sense of unease, as if something was amiss.
Lost in her thoughts, she was abruptly jolted back to reality as the car came to a sudden stop.
Lifting her gaze, Mia caught sight of a villa outside the car window. In that instant, a flurry of images flooded her mind, causing her to furrow her brow and draw in a sharp breath.
“What’s wrong?” Timothy glanced down at Mia, noticing her hand reaching for her head.
He instinctively reached out to assist her, only to be met with a sharp push from Mia. “Don’t touch me!” she exclaimed.
Timothy’s lips tightened coldly. “Does this place make you uncomfortable?”
Timothy glanced at the villa outside; it was their former marital home.
Mia held her head, taking a moment to recover from the sudden, piercing headache.
Eventually, she lowered her hand and looked at the villa outside, sensing a strange familiarity.
She spoke meaningfully, “Mr. Barrett, if I’m not mistaken, this is the marital home you shared with your ex¨Cwife, isn’t it?”
Timothy’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Yes.”
“Do you reckon anyone would be pleased to see a house where their partner’s ex once resided? Feeling uncomfortable is quite normal, wouldn’t you agree?”
Timothy fell silent, picking up on the sarcasm in her tone. He couldn’t believe how composed she was. How had he not noticed her acting skills before?
He continued, “Since we’re already here, would you care to join me inside?”
Upon hearing Timothy’s invitation, Mia abruptly turned her head to face him. Mr. Barrett, are you asking me out?”
A subtle smile graced her lips, while her eyes emitted a charm that was both mature and captivating.
Timothy met Mia’s gaze, his throat tightening slightly. “You could say that.”
As his words trailed off, Mia leaned in closer, their noses nearly touching, their breaths mingling.
Timothy’s breath caught as he looked into her deep, enigmatic eyes.
Suddenly, Mia chuckled, dispelling the tension. “Mr. Barrett, we’ve only just established our relationship. Isn’t it a bit hasty to be moving things along so quickly? I prefer taking things slow.”
As Mia spoke, she adjusted his loosened tie. “Besides, Mr. Barrett, you’ve had a bit too much to drink today. You should go back and rest early to avoid a headache tomorrow morning.”
As Mia was about to leave, Timothy suddenly grasped her wrist.
Mia’s heart skipped a beat. What was Timothy up to now?
She looked up into his deep eyes, forcing a sinile. “Mr. Barrett, is there something else you’d like to say to me?”
For some reason, Mia sensed that Timothy was acting strangely today, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint why.
As Timothy gazed at Mia before him, he couldn’t resist reaching out to touch her face. “You bear a striking resemblance to her.”
“Mr. Barrett, I understand that your ex¨Cwife looks a lot like me, but I am not her, nor am I a replacement for any woman!
“If you see me as a substitute for your ex¨Cwife, you’ll be disappointed sooner or later. I’m not a woman who will simply follow your lead.”
“I’m well aware of that.”
After all, the old Mia had never been one to comply easily. After their divorce, she had been ruthless, causing him pain.
Nonetheless, Timothy couldn’t forget about Mia over the years.
Now that he discovered Mia had faked her death and deceived him for four years, his emotions were a tumultuous mix of anger and surprise.
Mia forced a smile. “Mr. Barrett, since you’re aware, could you please let me go? I need to hurry back to the hospital and accompany Ginger. She must be frightened.
all alone.”
Mia couldn’t shake the feeling that Timothy was like a whole different person when he was drunk.
Gazing down at her, Timothy asked, “How old is Ginger?”
“She’s almost four, and her birthday is next month. Why do
“In that case, did you meet Ginger’s father four years ago?”
you ask?”
Upon hearing this, a flicker of wariness passed through Mia’s eyes. Why was he suddenly interested in Ginger’s father?
She nodded cautiously. “Yes.”
“Do you really have no knowledge about Ginger’s father?”
Upon seeing the innocent expression on Mia’s face, Timothy felt compelled to expose her deception right then and there.
However, since she wanted to prolong the charade, he decided to play along for a few more days.
Timothy was eager to find out what Mia had been doing all these years, as well as to learn more about her twins.
If Mia had managed to carry the babies back then, they would be approximately the same age as Ginger.
In this scenario, Ginger could very well be his daughter, which would explain the successful compatibility test on their first attempt.
This couldn’t be just a coincidence!